Ergonomic handle

ABSTRACT

A ergonomic handle having an inner ring with a center opening, a bearing assembly attached around the circumference of the inner ring, a two-piece outer ring attached around the bearing, a grip attached to opposite sides of the center opening of the inner ring, and a mounting point fixed to the surface of the outer ring.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a multipurpose handle, and specifically to an ergonomic handle.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Handles are ubiquitous. They are found on everything from doors to garbage cans to exercise equipment. Handles come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, but have a single commonality: they provide a grasping surface for a hand. A characteristic shared by most handles is that the handles are rigid and are rigidly mounted. These handles have little or no ability to accommodate the dynamic and changing forces upon the arm and hand that grasps them.

[0005] Human hands and arms are capable of a tremendous range of flexion and rotation when they are young and healthy. This range permits humans to perform everything from delicate brain surgery to brute-force weight lifting. However, as the hands and arms age, the original range and abilities are diminished. Part of the reason for the diminished capabilities is the cumulative abuse they are subjected to. For example, the typical handle forces the arms and hands to conform to it. Thus, as a garbage can is lifted up to chest height, the force upon the hands shifts from a mostly vertical vector to a mix of vertical and horizontal. The force vector becomes even more horizontal if the person holds the garbage can against the chest to aid in stabilizing the can. However, during this lifting, the orientation of the handles on the garbage can does not change to reduce the stresses on the arms and hands. The handles are oriented in their original position, horizontally. The wrists and fingers must stretch and bend to compensate for the handle.

[0006] Another example is weight training equipment. Unless using free weights, the handles on a typical weight machine do not permit motion about three axes. At best, the typical cable-mounted weight machine handle permits rotation about the longitudinal axis of the cable. In weight-lifting, it is often desirable to have some flexibility in the handle's position to work different muscles. Typical handles are not capable of meeting this demand. However, even where the handles are not rigidly mounted, such handles are typically capable of relieving strain only along one or two axes.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,334,113, issued to Ronald W. Roepke in August 1994, discloses a multi-position grip system for barbells which includes rotatable coupled arcuate or hemiarcuate members.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,399,133, issued to Terry M. Haber et al. In March 1995, discloses an appendage interface assembly for exercise machine which includes semicircular support members with friction brakes and position indicators.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,022,300, issued to Charlie H. Hightower in February 2000, discloses a rotating grip barbell which includes a pair of carrier rings in a barbell. The carrier rings are incorporated into the bar so that the longitudinal axis of the bar bisects each grip.

[0010] None of the above patents describes an ergonomic handle that automatically aligns itself to relieve stress and strain on a person's joints and can adapted to be used anywhere an ergonomic handle is desired.

[0011] None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singularly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. Thus a ergonomic handle solving the aforementioned problems is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The ergonomic handle of this invention is a multi-axis multipurpose handle which may be incorporated into new products or retrofitted into existing products. The ergonomic handle comprises an inner ring, a two-piece outer ring, a bearing assembly, a grip and a mounting point.

[0013] The inner ring comprises an interior opening and interior surface, wherein the interior surface includes accommodations to secure a grip, and a bearing surface around the circumference. The two-piece outer ring comprises a bearing surface around the inside perimeter and includes accommodations for a mounting point on the circumference. The two-piece outer ring is separated into its component halves and assembled with the inner ring captured within and coplanar with the outer ring's halves. The halves of the two-piece outer ring are secured to each other. Upon assembly, the inner ring's bearing surface is immediately adjacent to the outer ring's bearing surface, and the captured inner ring turns freely within the outer ring. The grip spans the interior opening of the inner ring and is secured across that opening. The grip is attached to the desired equipment via the mounting point. The grip may be attached to the desired equipment via the mounting point, or the entire handle may be affixed to the side of the desired equipment via an inset or depression in the desired equipment. This mounting method permits rotation of the handle within at least two axes, preserving the ergonomic functionality of the handle.

[0014] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to disclose a handle assembly that may be used wherever an ergonomic handle is desired.

[0015] It is another object of the invention to provide an ergonomic handle that relieves stress and strain on joints of the arms, hands and shoulders.

[0016] It is a further object of the invention to disclose an ergonomic handle that may be easily retrofitted into existing equipment.

[0017] Still another object of the invention is to provide a handle for weight lifting equipment that permits the user to position his arms or hands in a position to achieve a more effective workout.

[0018] Yet another object of the invention is to disclose a handle that permits an exercise machine to more closely approximate the feel of free weights.

[0019] It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.

[0020] These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021]FIG. 1 is an environmental perspective view of an ergonomic handle attached to weight equipment according to the present invention.

[0022]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an ergonomic handle according to the present invention.

[0023]FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an ergonomic handle according to the present invention.

[0024]FIG. 4 is a detail view of an ergonomic handle keyway according to the present invention.

[0025]FIG. 5 is a detail view of a ball and socket eyelet for an ergonomic handle according to the present invention.

[0026]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of ergonomic handles incorporated into a weight bar according to the present invention.

[0027] Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] The present invention is an ergonomic handle comprising an inner ring, a two-piece outer ring, a bearing assembly, a grip and a mounting point.

[0029]FIG. 1 is an environmental perspective view of an ergonomic handle attached to weight equipment according to the present invention. Here, a pair of ergonomic handles 10 are shown suspended from cables. This mounting technique permits hands to move within three axes simultaneously, greatly enhancing the exercise and reducing unwanted strain.

[0030]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an ergonomic handle according to the present invention. The ergonomic handle comprises an inner ring 12 within a two-piece outer ring 14. The halves of the outer ring 14 are held together around the inner ring 12 by a plurality of fasteners 16. In the preferred embodiment, the fasteners 16 are screws. Between the inner ring 12 and the outer ring 14 is a bearing assembly 22 (see FIG. 3). The bearing assembly 22 permits the inner ring 12 to rotate freely within the outer ring 14. In the preferred embodiment, the bearing assembly 22 is a set of ball bearings. The grip 18 is fixed within the inner ring 12. A mounting point 20 is secured to the outer ring 14 and provides a means to attach the ergonomic handle to the desired equipment, including doors on structures, handles on industrial equipment, exercise equipment, trash cans and other bulky and heavy objects. The mounting point 20 is shown with an eyelet 34 fixed to it for easy attachment of the ergonomic handle to a cable, but the mounting point 20 may be fixed directly to the desired equipment as well.

[0031]FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an ergonomic handle according to the present invention. The inner ring 12 includes an inner race 28 around the circumference. The radius of the inner race 28 is sized to be equal to the radius of the balls in the bearing assembly 22. Each half of the outer ring 14 includes an outer race 30, wherein the radius or the outer race 30 is also sized to be equal to the radius of the balls in the bearing assembly 22. In the preferred embodiment, the diameter to the outer surface of the inner ring 12, is slightly less than the diameter of the inner surface of the outer ring 14. The difference amounts to a few thousandths of an inch. This permits the inner ring 12 to turn freely within the outer ring 14, with the only contact being the balls in the bearing assembly 22. The bearing assembly 22 provides a low-friction means for providing rotation of the inner ring 12 within the outer ring 14, and also serves to hold the inner ring 12 and outer ring 14 together. The vast majority of the surface of each ball of the bearing assembly 22 is within the inner race 28 and outer race 30. In addition, the gap between the inner ring 12 and the outer ring 14 is far too small to permit the bearing assembly 22 to fall out. Thus, the bearing assembly 22, the inner ring 12, and the outer ring 14 are mutually secured.

[0032] Each half of the outer ring 14 includes part of a mounting recess 32. The mounting recess 32 retains the mounting point 20 when the outer ring 14 is assembled. The mounting point 20 permits the ergonomic handle to be attached to anything the user envisions, either as a replacement handle or as a new handle. The mounting recess 32 is shown as a circular cutout in the outer ring 14. This permits the mounting point 20 to swivel, providing more flexibility to the user and further relieving unwanted strain. As shown, the mounting point 20 is fixed to an eyelet 34.

[0033] The grip 18 may be fixed or may rotate about its longitudinal axis. Where is desired, the rotation may be interrupted by a keyway assembly incorporated into the grip 18 and inner ring 12. The key way assembly comprises a female key 24 within the ends of the grip 18, and a male key 26 mounted to the inner ring 12. The amount of rotation of the grip 18 is dependent upon the relative angular measurements of the male key 26 within the female key 24. If the male key 26 subtends the same angular measurement as the female key 24, the grip 18 will be unable to rotate. As the female key 24 subtends a larger angle, or the male key 26 subtends a smaller angle, the permitted rotation of the grip 18 increases. In another embodiment, a spring 25 is attached between the female key 24 and the male key 26. The spring 25 acts to rotate the grip 18 to a neutral, centered position when the grip 18 is released from the grasp of a user.

[0034]FIG. 4 is a detail view of an ergonomic handle keyway according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the male key 26 is fixed to the inner ring 12, and female key 24 is incorporated into a grip 18 that may be able to rotate. The amount of rotation is variable depending upon the interaction and interference between the male key 26 and the female key 24. As shown in FIG. 4, the male key 26 and female key 24 are about evenly matched. This indicates that the grip 18 will be able to rotate only very little or not at all. Selectively removing material from the male key 26, or increasing the size of the female key 24, or both will enable the grip to rotate the desired amount. In many cases it is undesirable to permit rotation of the grip 18 beyond 180 degrees, to prevent the inner ring 12 and outer ring 14 from contacting the user's hand, wrist or arm.

[0035]FIG. 5 is a detail view of a ball and socket eyelet for an ergonomic handle according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the eyelet 34 is fixed to a swivel ball 36. The swivel ball 36 is captured and retained within a swivel socket 38 that is incorporated within a mounting point 20. This arrangement may be implemented where extra swiveling capability is needed or where the mounting point 20 is not permitted to turn within the mounting recess 32.

[0036] The interaction between the bearing assembly 22, the inner ring 12, and the outer ring 14 is shown. Each ball of the bearing assembly 22 engages and is retained in the convergence of the inner race 28 and the outer race 30, which are incorporated into the inner ring 12 and the outer ring 14, respectively. The outer ring 14 is held together by a plurality of fasteners 16, and the mounting point 20 is captured between the two halves of the outer ring 14 within the mounting recess 32.

[0037]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a pair of ergonomic handles incorporated into a weight bar according to the present invention. In this embodiment, each of the ergonomic handles has a plurality of mounting points 20 that permits each handle to pivot within the weight bar. Additionally, each handle has a plurality of springs 40 to limit the amount of pivot available to the user. In the preferred embodiment, the grips 18 will have little or no allowable longitudinal rotation. Rotation about the grip's 18 longitudinal axis is irrelevant for the weight bar because the user can rotate the entire bar along that axis with his hands or wrists. However, the inner ring 12 is free to turn within the outer ring 14. Thus, movement is available along all three axes to suit the user's tastes and needs.

[0038] In a like manner, the ergonomic grip may be incorporated into a wide range of devices, including rowing machines, or oars in water craft. This is a boon to those who suffer from arthritis or limited and painful movement of joints.

[0039] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims. 

I claim:
 1. An ergonomic handle comprising: an inner ring having a circumference and a center opening; a bearing assembly attached around said circumference of the inner ring; a two-piece outer ring attached around the bearing assembly; a grip attached across the center opening of the inner ring; and a mounting point fixed to the surface of the outer ring.
 2. The ergonomic handle of claim 1, wherein the bearing assembly further comprises a set of ball bearings.
 3. The ergonomic handle of claim 1, wherein the grip is arranged and configured to rotate about its longitudinal axis.
 4. The ergonomic handle of claim 3, further comprising a structure wherein the grip's rotation about its longitudinal axis is limited.
 5. The ergonomic handle of claim 3, wherein the grip further comprises a self-centering spring.
 6. The ergonomic handle of claim 4, wherein said rotation limiting structure comprises a keyway assembly.
 7. The ergonomic handle of claim 1, wherein the mounting point comprises an eyelet.
 8. The ergonomic handle of claim 1, wherein the mounting point is an external surface of the two-piece outer ring.
 9. The ergonomic handle of claim 1, wherein the mounting point is arranged and configured to swivel about an axis approximately perpendicular to the surface of the outer ring.
 10. The ergonomic handle of claim 1, wherein the mounting point comprises a ball and socket assembly.
 11. The ergonomic handle of claim 1, wherein a plurality of screws are provided to join the two-piece outer ring together.
 12. A multipurpose ergonomic handle comprising: an inner ring having a circumference and a center opening; a ball bearing assembly attached around said circumference of the inner ring; a two-piece outer ring attached around the ball bearing assembly; a grip attached across the center opening of the inner ring; and a mounting point fixed to the surface of the outer ring.
 13. The ergonomic handle of claim 12, wherein the grip is arranged and configured to rotate about its longitudinal axis.
 14. The ergonomic handle of claim 13, further comprising structure wherein the grip's rotation about its longitudinal axis is limited.
 15. The ergonomic handle of claim 14, wherein said rotation limiting structure comprises a keyway assembly.
 16. A multipurpose ergonomic handle comprising: an inner ring with a circumference, and which includes a center opening and an inner race around said circumference of the inner ring's exterior surface; a bearing assembly including a plurality of balls, the plurality of balls arranged to ride in the inner race; a two-piece outer ring wherein the outer ring includes an outer race within the circumference of an interior opening, and wherein the joined outer ring captures the bearing assembly within the inner race and the outer race; a grip attached across the center opening of the inner ring; and a mounting point fixed to the surface of the outer ring. 